Re: what to plant on the east side
- Subject: Re: [SG] what to plant on the east side
- From: D* W*
- Date: Sun, 7 Apr 2002 23:04:29 -0700
Here is what I grow in a similar strip under the eaves, facing east,
shaded by a dense grove of very high bamboo. It is bordered by the
house wall and the sidewalk leading up to the front door.
Camellia x williamsii 'Cornish Snow' which has a mass of small white
flowers right now. It would be happier with more light, and to get
it has grown out over the sidewalk so that we walk under it.
Jasminum nudiflorum grows through it and flowers all winter - bright
yellow, unscented.
One of the blue small-flowered spring clematis also grows through it
and will be flowering soon.
That is probably enough for the camellia to bear, but I have planted
a couple more seedling vines near it. They haven't grown at all yet,
so I don't know how they'll do.
Dapnne odora which has an incredible perfume and is evergreen. It
will be tender for you, but another daphne would do. They like the
dry conditions and the limey soil from the concrete foundation, I
think. (Our soils are naturally acid).
Right now the area is scented by Skimmia japonica. This is one of my
favourite plants. Evergreen, totally carefree. It flowers now, then
produces big red berries which remain colourful for the rest of the
year. Last year's berries are still on. No deadheading, no work
required at all. You do require a male and a female to get the
berries. Otherwise you just get the leaves, flowers and the
wonderful perfume.
Ferns. Ferns are my weeds and come up everywhere. Our native sword
fern is fine in dry shade. Evergreen.
Cyclamen hederifolium flowers white or pink in September and has
pretty leaves all winter. They are starting to die off now.
There were other things I planted that died. I have my garden map
book beside me as I write. Did I really think that Soldanella and
Trillium undulatum had a chance? Poor things.
Diane Whitehead Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
zone 8 Sunset zone 4
cool mediterranean climate (rainy winter, dry summer)
maritime - no wild temperature swings
